Miriam is a big loss in the debate

21 March 2016

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago was a big loss in the presidential debate in Cebu, according to her vice presidential bet Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

In an interview in the sidelines of his Unity Caravan in Makati City today, Marcos said Santiago’s absence in last night’s presidential debate was a big loss to the discourse in terms of the level of discussion. “Kung andun sana sya, mas tumaas ang level ng discussion ng ating mga presidentiables,” he said.

In another interview, Marcos said a lot of people surely missed Santiago’s presence in the debate because she is the best debater among those vying for president. “Kasi for us she is the best debater sa kanilang lahat. She has the record not only as a debater, but as a judge, as a legislator, as a senator, sa executive, sa lahat and we feel that she would have done very very well as she always does,” he said.

He remains hopeful that Santiago will be able to join the last round of debates next month. “Palagay ko at ako ay naniniwala na meron pa syang pagkakataon ng masabi ang kanyang mensahe at ipakita ang kanyang galing at talino at kanyang kasanayan sa pagdedebate,” he said.

Santiago skipped the Cebu leg of the presidential debate because she was undergoing tests for a new, anti-cancer pill,

While he refused to say who did well in the debate, Marcos said he could sense that in the second round, the determination of each candidate to stand out was strong.